November 21, 2008

Croteaux Vineyards 2007 Merlot "181 Clone" Rose

Today, I offer my review of the third Croteaux Vineyards rose from the 2007 vintage (see the otherreviews).

This wine, the Croteaux Vineyards 2007 Merlot "181 Clone" Rose ($18) is the lightest and most delicate of the lot. Made from the 181 clone, from Pomerol, it was fermented entirely in stainless steel and is a pretty pale salmon-orange.

The nose is light and fruity, with peach aromas dominating and a bit of strawberry. Similar fruit carries over to a light-bodied palate that also features nice, thirst-quenching acidity. It's surprisingly light on flavor, however. Even at room temperature, I was l was left wanting a bit more flavor intensity. Still, it's refreshing and would be good on a hot summer day.

As it warmed just a bit over the course of an evening a bit of alcohol heat on the finish emerged, even though it's only 12.5% abv.